Regional deal on Western Balkans roaming prices will be signed in April ⋆

Regional deal on Western Balkans roaming prices will be signed in April

After the economies from the region reach a new agreement on the roaming prices, the EU will be ready to reduce prices of roaming with the Western Balkans, starting from July, this year, said the European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, Mariya Gabriel, during the meeting with Secretary General of the Regional Cooperation Council, Majlinda Bregu. The meeting was held today in Skopje. balkans roaming

Bregu and Gabriel spoke about the new regional agreement on roaming for Western Balkans, which is being finalized, as well as about the regional portal for research and development, tightly connected to the portals of open data of six WB economies as a basis for additional regional projects and required solutions.

They also spoke about strengthening regional cooperation in the domain of cyber security and establishing of a regional center for education and research. They agreed that they should work more on the subject of women and digitalization in WB.

Regional Cooperation Council is ready to help regions put more effort and take part in the EU programs.

At the invitation of the host, Minister of Information Society and Administration of North Macedonia, Damjan Mančevski, Bregu attended the ceremonial opening of the technological accelerator for young entrepreneurs and innovators and the promotion of scientific and technological parks.

Western Balkans countries are Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. western balkans roaming

In the Balkans region, roaming has historically been costly and a barrier to communication and commerce. However, the Balkan Roaming Agreement, signed in 2019, aims to address this issue by gradually reducing and eventually abolishing roaming charges for citizens of six Balkan countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia.

The abolition of roaming charges in the Balkans region is expected to have several significant benefits:

Improved communication: The abolition of roaming charges will make it easier and more affordable for citizens of the six Balkan countries to communicate with each other, whether for personal or business purposes.
Increased tourism: Lower roaming charges are likely to encourage more tourists to visit the region, boosting the local economy.
Enhanced trade: Lower communication costs can help facilitate trade and commerce between the six Balkan countries, potentially leading to increased economic growth.
Strengthened regional ties: The abolition of roaming charges can help to promote greater regional cooperation and understanding among the six Balkan countries, potentially leading to greater political stability.

Overall, the abolition of roaming charges in the Balkans region is a significant step towards greater regional integration and connectivity. It has the potential to improve communication, boost tourism and trade, and strengthen regional ties, ultimately benefiting the citizens of all six countries.